A Human Rights based Approach is a conceptual framework that applies international human rights standards aimed as promoting and protecting human rights of all. It means putting the rights of right-holders and corresponding duties of duty-bearers (states and others) at the heart of all policies and programmes that impact on the lives of individuals and groups. A HRBA includes:
1. Express application of the international human rights norms
2. Empowerment
3. Participation
4. Gender, Equality, Non-discrimination & vulnerable groups (Leave No-one Behind)
5. Transparency & Accountability (The Rule of Law)
IHRN research and advocacy on HRBA has included:
A joint initiative of the International Federation Terre des Hommes, Action Aid International, Amnesty International EU Office, and IHRN exploring the application of human rights based approaches to EU development policies. The four partners commissioned research and Report Human Rights-Based Approaches and European Union Development Aid Policies explores the extent to which the EU understands and integrates HRBA in its external development policies. The process was intended to raise awareness and inform decision-making by development actors, working with, and within, EU institutions.
A survey and analysis of the levels of application of human rights based development in Ireland by civil society actors and policy makers (central & local government levels) in Ireland’s development processes. Undertaken in partnership with Amnesty International (Irish Section), the findings are published in the report: “Our Rights, Our future – Human Rights Based Approaches in Ireland: Principles, Policies and Practice“.
Research and advocacy in conjunction with Humanitarianism and War Project (Brown University) – When Needs are Rights: An Overview of UN efforts to Integrate Human Rights in Humanitarian Action.
Participatory review of the impact of international human rights development interventions. Covering Rwanda, Burundi, Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador. The research study formed the basis for advocacy on policy level through a Report entitled, The Right to Participate in International Human Rights Fieldwork.